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Online Forex Course
 Online Forex Course >> Chapter 3 >> Technical Tools >> Technical Analysis
Chapter 1
Forex Basics
Chapter 2
Fundamental Factors
Chapter 3
Technical Tools
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Trends

The trend is the fundamental cornerstone of technical analysis. The trend denotes the overall direction of the market at a given time over a given scope, showing the trader the tendency of change in market prices. More simply put, the trend shows the direction of the market. Thus it follows that all trends fall under one of the following three categories: upward, downward, and sideways. Trends may also be classified by their timeframes as long-term, medium-term and short-term trends. However, any number of smaller trends can occur within larger trends.

Trend Types

Upward Trend

An upward trend is denoted by the systematic and extended rise in the price of the given currency pair over some prolonged period of time. This does not mean that the price of the given currency pair never recedes, but merely that in the overall picture the price rises more than it falls in the given timeframe. A theoretical sketch of an uptrend is presented on the right.

A real life example lasting several months, taken from a MetaTrader 4 screenshot, is shown below.

Technical Analysis Figure 3

Technical Analysis Figure - Upward

 

Downward Trend

A downward trend shares all the characteristics of the upward trend but in the reverse direction, thus denoting the fall in the price of a given currency pair.

On the right we show a theoretical image of a downward trend, and a real life counterpart below.

Technical Analysis Figure - Downward 1

Technical Analysis Figure - Downward

Sideways Trend

The sideways trend is also known as a trendless, ranging or flat market. Though similar to the other two types, the sideways trend shows no major difference in the price values between the beginning and the end of a specific time period. The sideways trend denotes market conditions in which prices may be moving back and forth between levels of support and resistance (covered next).

 

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Trading foreign exchange on margin carries a high level of risk, and may not be suitable for all investors. The high degree of leverage can work against you as well as for you. Before deciding to invest in foreign exchange you should carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite. The possibility exists that you could sustain a loss of some or all of your initial investment and therefore you should not invest money that you cannot afford to lose. You should be aware of all the risks associated with foreign exchange trading, and seek advice from an independent financial advisor if you have any doubts. Increasing leverage may increase gains or losses on any given trade.